Just two months after many felt the NBA Draft Lottery doomed the Boston Celtics to years of futility; Danny Ainge pulls off a trade that has the Boston faithful dreaming of a return to the glory days. The NBA’s worst kept secret became official on Tuesday afternoon. Kevin Garnett is now a Celtic.

The deal with Minnesota has Garnett headed to Boston in exchange for Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota's conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade. Minnesota also receives cash considerations in the deal. This is not the first time a Minnesota sports franchise has been apart of a blockbuster trade where so many players were given up for just one player.  The Dallas Cowboys shipped Hershel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for 5 players and 6 draft picks. The Minnesota Timberwolves gain solid young talent, all with just one year left on their contracts and the opportunity to have significant salary cap room in 2008.

The Boston Celtics now have three solid veterans, a rejuvenated fan base and have been penciled in by many as a contender in the east. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce bring a strong veteran presence the Celtics haven’t had in quite some time. Now, Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers will need to find out who the supporting cast will be. Garnett averages nearly 39 minutes per game in his career. Who will step up and play during the 8 minutes that the Big Ticket spends not adding to his career 20/10 night? Glen Davis, the rookie known as Big Baby will be expected to fill the void. He is the only solid young prospect the Celtics have. It’s quite obvious the Celtics have decided that they  will worry about the future later. Boston intends to win right away.

The Big Three in Boston are ready to win and win now. It seems funny that almost two months ago, many were ready to write the Celtics off. Despite having the worst record in the league last season, their lottery ball dropped to the number 5 pick. That pick, ( Jeff Green) was traded to Seattle in exchange for Ray Allen. The move needed just one more piece and now the Celtics have added that piece in Kevin Garnett.  Look out Eastern Conference; the Celtics have been built to win now.